News

Saint Xavier University hosts Chicago Bears' Dan Hampton

Sports: the athlete's ethic of discipline, teamwork and integrity

Chicago (March 28, 2006) – Dan Hampton, a member one of the most fearsome defenses in NFL history and a favorite former Chicago Bear, will discuss how participation in sports can help one achieve both personal and professional goals at a lecture at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, at Saint Xavier University’s Shannon Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago.
In the lecture, titled “Sports: The Athlete’s Ethic of Discipline, Teamwork and Integrity,” Hampton will discuss how life is competitive and the game of football instills competition in a person. “Football teaches you to be willing to sacrifice yourself for the greater good of the team. You have to learn to love each other, be committed to each other, and sacrifice for each other,” Hampton said.
Sister Susan M. Sanders, R.S.M., Ph.D., vice president for University Mission and Heritage and director of the Center for Religion and Public Discourse, organized the event for the university. “His presentation to our Saint Xavier students and local community will provide special insight and a very unique opportunity, especially for our young men and women. We will hear him speak of the ethic and the ethics of sports, and learn how discipline and teamwork in athletics can ground our lives both on and off the field.”
With his strength, pride and loyalty to the Chicago Bears and his teammates, Hampton is the definition of the term “Monsters of the Midway.” He fulfilled his dream of playing 12 years in three decades, and participated in the final play of the last game to win a Super Bowl ring.
Even as a rookie Hampton was an impact player. In his first season, he was credited with 70 tackles, 48 of which were solo efforts, as well as two fumble recoveries, three blocked passes and two sacks. In 1980, he led the team in sacks with 11.5, and his 73 tackles were the most ever by a Bears lineman. His achievements earned him the first of four Pro-Bowl invitations.
But it was the 1985 season for which Hampton and the Bears’ defense are best remembered. For the first half of that year, Hampton played right tackle before moving over to the left defensive end spot for the remainder of the season. His aggressive play caused opposing offenses to assign extra blockers to him, freeing up other Bears defenders to make plays. Even with added attention, Hampton still managed to record 6.5 sacks, force two fumbles, recover three fumbles and block four passes.
Hampton continued to play at a high level until retiring in 1990, becoming the only Bear to play in three different decades.
Ed O’Bradovich introduced Hampton at his National Football League Hall of Fame induction by saying, “When you talk about pride, dedication, ability and courage, those words are Dan Hampton.”
The lecture is open to the public and general admission is $5. Admission is free for all university students, faculty and staff who present a valid university ID.
For more information contact Saint Xavier University’s Center for Religion and Public Discourse at (773) 298-3981.
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Saint Xavier University, a Catholic institution inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, educates men and women to search for truth, to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good.
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